"Tsundere" is a Japanese slang word referring to a particular personality type / character archetype commonly found in anime and manga. A girl or boy that is tsundere is usually aloof, irritable or violent, but can be sweet and loving in private, especially when she/he is with someone she/he cares about.
The origins of "tsundere" is in two words: "tsuntsun," which refers to someone who is aloof or blunt and "deredere," which means lovestuck or affectionate. The general assumption is that tsundere characters put up a tough front to hide their softer, sensitive side.
"Tsunderekko" is a term used to describe a tsundere girl, combining "tsundere" and the suffix "-ko," a commonly used suffix in Japanese girls' names that also means "child." Less common is "tsunderekun," which is the male equivalent.
Examples of tsundere manga characters include:
- Haruhi Suzumiya in The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya by Author (Yen Press)
- Asuka Soryu Langley in Neon Genesis Evangelion by Author (VIZ Media)
Examples of "tsundere" used in a sentence:
- "I just have a weakness for tsundere characters."
- "Is she tsundere or just a snob?"
